DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Karl Safchick

hunter

The every-seven-day version of Impact Events took some time away as the off-season is a difficult time to write a thousand words on actionable news. At DLF, we don’t believe there is an off-season, though, so we covered the dynasty landscape like Darrelle Revis covers wide receivers. However, even the NFL will admit to the off-season being over now. As I’m writing this, there are actual professional football players attending training camp. Alert the guards. Football is here. Don’t act like you’re not impressed.

For those of you new to Impact Events, I simply cover the news stories of the previous week and inform you how those stories may impact your dynasty team. Also, I will read anything that is put on the teleprompter. And when I say “anything,” I mean an-y-thing.

Justin Hunter, WR TEN
News: Hunter was arrested in Virginia Beach, VA and charged with felonious assault.

Analysis: With a 14th round dynasty ADP, Hunter was already an afterthought by most dynasty owners, but some were holding on to hope he could justify being selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 34th overall pick in the 2013 draft. With only 852 career receiving yards in two years, Hunter wasn’t exactly lighting it up on the field and we’ve seen NFL teams shy away from players for off field discretion. If you can unload Hunter for anything of value (even a future 3rd or 4th round rookie pick), I’d do so immediately.

Jermaine Gresham, TE ARI
News: The Arizona Cardinals signed Gresham to a one-year deal.

[inlinead]Analysis: Gresham obviously only has value in deep leagues, but he does have value. Would you believe he actually has the tenth most points by a tight end over the last three years? You shouldn’t because I was lying. He actually has the seventh most points at his position over since 2012! Some will say, “but the Cardinals do not throw to the tight end position.” This is coach correlation, which is a bad practice as a dynasty owner. If you need proof of the Arizona coaching staff throwing to their tight ends, take a look at Bruce Arians’ history in Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. Feel free to check up on Tom Moore’s history with Peyton Manning. While you’re researching the Cardinals’ coaching staff, make sure to Google “Harold Goodwin.”

If you’re still interested about Gresham, I would like to extend you an invitation to the pants party. There were 35 tight ends drafted in our July mocks and Gresham was not one of them. Yes, players like Jesse James and Crockett Gillmore, who may not even start on their own team, are being drafted before the last three years’ cumulative TE7. Since it’s almost certain he’s on your waiver wire, if you’re in a deep league, go grab him.

Adrian Peterson, RB MIN
News: The Minnesota Vikings and Peterson agreed on a contract restructure which has a base value of $44 million.

Analysis: With this new contract, it may appear Peterson is very important with many leather bound books and an apartment that smells of rich mahogany, but the contract isn’t all it’s made out to be. While it was first reported Peterson would get a ton of extra guaranteed money, the truth is Peterson can still be released prior to March 2016 with no financial ramifications.

Peterson is a 30-year old running back who has barely played football in the last 19 months. With a talented backup in Jerrick McKinnon in waiting, Peterson’s 2015 campaign will have to be a success to remain with the Vikings long term. With a price of RB9, I’ll pass on Peterson. I’d much rather pay for the RB19 in Arian Foster if I want to pay for an aging vet at the position.

Le’Veon Bell, RB PIT
News: Bell says his knee is not fully healthy, but it’s “close.” Bell also had his ban reduced to two games.

Analysis: Anyone having to deal with Rodger Goodell for an appeal hearing is in a glass case of emotion. Luckily, this two-game break may be exactly what Bell needs. The Pittsburgh Steelers, like any professional sports franchise, are solely concentrated on winning. While every dynasty owner wants the same, it may be better if Bell’s knee is perfectly healthy before he comes back.

While I believe Bell is being drafted too early in dynasty (#7 overall), it has nothing to do with his ability or even his knee. If you’re passing on players like Calvin Johnson because of longevity, let me remind you what position Bell plays. The average NFL running back plays two and half years, and while Bell isn’t average, I’ll gladly pass on him to take AJ Green, Alshon Jeffrey or Randall Cobb.

DeVante Parker, WR MIA
News: Joe Philbin reportedly expects Parker to be ready to play week one.

Analysis: I’ve been on record saying I believe Parker to be the second best receiver in this rookie class. I find it more likely he’s better than Amari Cooper than worse than Kevin White. The foot surgery was definitely a scare, but if people were passing on him in the top five picks of rookie drafts, they’re now thinking “I immediately regret this decision.”

Ryan Tannehill has increased his passing attempts, yards and completion percentage each year in the league thus far. He’s never had a go-to receiver like Parker could be. If Parker reaches his potential, he’s going to be a fantasy stud for years. It’s best to get in on the ground floor of this wide receiver prospect.

With more NFL training camps starting every day this week, there will be plenty of news with fantasy implications. Be sure to check in every Monday to read up on the dynasty impact of your favorite players. I’ll also be making my best attempt to attend as many east coast camps as possible to bring you direct insight into football’s star players.

“Oh, I can barely lift my right arm ‘cause I did so many. I don’t know if you hear me counting. I did over a thousand.”

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